I recently re-read this one on audio. I decided with all the walking I do, I could easily get in an extra book every week or two by adding audio booksI recently re-read this one on audio. I decided with all the walking I do, I could easily get in an extra book every week or two by adding audio books and I'm glad I did. It had been quite a while since I read the HP books and despite knowing everything that was going to happen, it was still completely magical. It made me excited for when Sadie is old enough for me to read them to her. I do like the later books better, but I think I will have to give them all five stars because they are still better than most other books on my list.

I had the Jim Dale audio, and he is such a good reader! I'll definitely be making my way through the rest of the series with him....more

I'm really enjoying my re-read through the series. Jim Dale does an amazing job with the narration, and I don't think these stories will ever get oldI'm really enjoying my re-read through the series. Jim Dale does an amazing job with the narration, and I don't think these stories will ever get old for me. In this book we start to see the future romantical relationships between characters really crystallize, but my favorite part of Half-Blood Prince is the glimpses into Voldemort's past. The flashbacks make the world seem fully-realized, a place that has always existed with its own rich history. I haven't yet read any of the newly released Potterverse stories (I KNOW) but really, there is a reason that JKR is basically the richest person in the world. She has a fantastic imagination and I don't even know how she managed to come up with all the details of the wizarding world.

Like I said, I'm pretty sure these books will always amaze me. Always....more

I'm giving all the HP books the same rating, because even though there are some I like better than others, the difference from 4 to 5 is too big.... mI'm giving all the HP books the same rating, because even though there are some I like better than others, the difference from 4 to 5 is too big.... maybe if it were a 100-pt scale.

Anyway, a lot of people cite the third book as when the series got darker and that might be true of the movies (it's been a while since I've seen them), but I think this is where the books really get crazy. Not only is more at stake, for everyone, but the characters are starting to grow up and that is also reflected. JK Rowling's writing also matured starting here. There is a lot of foreshadowing, both to what happens in this book and in future books. It'll probably be a while before I re-read the 5th one, since I have other audiobooks for a while and they are quite expensive, but I really can't wait!...more

Just finished re-reading this, with the Jim Dale-narrated audiobook. I still loved it, and I hadn't read it in a while so there were some things I didJust finished re-reading this, with the Jim Dale-narrated audiobook. I still loved it, and I hadn't read it in a while so there were some things I didn't remember as distinctly. I love how she reveals a bit more of Harry's (and his parents') history in each book. I can't wait to re-read GoF!...more

Oh man, they just keep getting better! Rowling just made me feel so many things during this book! Hatred for Umbridge, love for Hermione, sadness forOh man, they just keep getting better! Rowling just made me feel so many things during this book! Hatred for Umbridge, love for Hermione, sadness for Sirius, and so many more...

One thing I think OotP does really well is to show us the fallibility and multidimensionality of the characters. Harry acts like kind of a jerk to his friends, we learn that Sirius and Harry's dad were douchebags, Dumbledore admits his failings. As Sirius puts it, "the world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters." And we really see that now. While the series, as a whole, is a battle of good and evil, those forces are bigger than the people through whom they play out. Yes, Harry is working on the side of good, but that doesn't mean all of his actions are without reproach.

We get introduced to Luna, one of my favorites, and the thestrals, which I think are my favorite creature in the series. And we learn more about Neville, and... just, so many good things happen here!

And as always, Jim Dale's narration is amazing. The voices he does for Umbridge and Kreacher were spot-on.

I love re-reading these books; even though there are parts that I dread (Beyond the Veil... oh Beyond the Veil... why JK Rowling why), I love immersing myself in the stories again....more

In a fairy tale retelling, there's always a fair amount of beefing up the author has to do, since in most cases the "original" (obvs I'm using that teIn a fairy tale retelling, there's always a fair amount of beefing up the author has to do, since in most cases the "original" (obvs I'm using that term to refer to like the Grimm version which is prob not the original) is very short. Levine does this by devoting a lot of time to world building, which I loved. I was pretty sure this was a Snow White retelling, but it took quite a while for me to see how. The world she creates is really lovely. Another interesting narrative choice is to have the story narrated in the first person. So when "Snow White" appears dead, we get to see what is happening to her. This was a really original retelling and I liked Levine's interpretation. Sometimes Asa's voice was a little annoying, or there would be things she didn't realize that were obvious. I think this is a byproduct of me being about twice the age of the target audience.

The audiobook was a full cast audio, which I'm enjoying more and more. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about all the songs-- there are lots of songs and singing in this book; it's a pretty huge part of the setting. I wasn't always crazy about the actors' voices, but in the end I realize that it would have been stupid not to have sung them. Some of them were even kinda catchy.

This is a clean book, suitable for middle grades or advanced upper elementary I'd say. Some mild violence and a few kisses but def. aimed for the younger set. If you like fairy tale retellings and are older than that, I'd also recommend it....more

The most interesting thing about this book is the mixing of cultures. It is about Chinese immigrants living in Guatemala. It's a children's picture boThe most interesting thing about this book is the mixing of cultures. It is about Chinese immigrants living in Guatemala. It's a children's picture book, so there isn't a ton of hidden depth or anything, but it definitely show children how two cultures both different from our own can be blended together....more

This children's book gives a peek into Mexican culture by describing the many ways in which a "rebozo" can be used. The illustrations add to the cultuThis children's book gives a peek into Mexican culture by describing the many ways in which a "rebozo" can be used. The illustrations add to the cultural exposure. I have to say, the book reminded me of what Douglas Adams says about towels....more

Crimson Hawthorne and Scarlett Ravencraft (their names say it all!) never thought that the cute new boy in school, Pepper, would choose hanging out wiCrimson Hawthorne and Scarlett Ravencraft (their names say it all!) never thought that the cute new boy in school, Pepper, would choose hanging out with them over becoming one of the ever-popular “Leetz.” Angry at being snubbed, the Leetz are out to punish Scarlett and Crimson, doing whatever they can to prevent the girls from having a chance to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands. The book is aimed at kids like Scarlett and Crimson—outcasts, Goths, or kids who just don’t have a “scene.” Fun, cartoon-y illustrations and additions like “Darqspace” profiles and chat conversations make the book accessible to reluctant readers. However, some of the references (V. Price Memorial Middle School, Crimson’s father “Nat”) may go over the heads of the intended audience. The story is formulaic—did anyone really expect the popular kids to triumph over the underdogs?—but is a quick, fun read that showcases the alternative fashion and tastes of a growing number of middle schoolers. ...more

This book was interesting and a quick read. I just wish it had gone into a bit more depth with the story. I just wanted to know more and felt that theThis book was interesting and a quick read. I just wish it had gone into a bit more depth with the story. I just wanted to know more and felt that the author barely scratched the surface. It is a kid's book, which I guess is why....more

I had never heard of these artists before. I think their work is really amazing. Hunter and I read the book together over lunch and I think it's reallI had never heard of these artists before. I think their work is really amazing. Hunter and I read the book together over lunch and I think it's really awesome that there is a children's book about this kind of art....more

This book is meant for kids/teens, but I thought it was a really great introduction to the stock market crash. It has information on so many things thThis book is meant for kids/teens, but I thought it was a really great introduction to the stock market crash. It has information on so many things that I never understood: bulls/bears, insider trading, stock splits. It seemed to me to be an unbiased account of the things that caused the stock market crash. It was written on a very basic level so I could actually understand what was going on. There is a great bibliography and the book is indexed. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this period in history but doesn't have a strong background in it already....more

This book was informative, but not written in a way that was very captivating. It is aimed more at middle grades so all of the language and sentence sThis book was informative, but not written in a way that was very captivating. It is aimed more at middle grades so all of the language and sentence structures are at a more basic level than I am used to reading. It does describe an event from history that I was not previously familiar with, so it definitely achieved the purpose of informing the reader. However, it wasn't really an "exciting read."...more

This book was really interesting and made me want to look at some non-fiction books about the Code Talkers. My only problem with it is that often it wThis book was really interesting and made me want to look at some non-fiction books about the Code Talkers. My only problem with it is that often it would have detailed descriptions of battles and strategy and things like that that weren't quite as interesting to me. In the Author's Note, he says he really cut back on the number of facts and figures, but it still seemed at times more like reading history than a novel. Other than that, it was a good book and there are lists of resources in the back for people who want more information....more

Rose Blanche was not originally an American book, which becomes obvious almost immediately. The story isn't rosy or happy; it is about a German girl gRose Blanche was not originally an American book, which becomes obvious almost immediately. The story isn't rosy or happy; it is about a German girl growing up in Nazi Germany. She discovers a concentration camp and brings food to the prisoners there. The art is beautiful and the story is excellent, but it certainly isn't the kind of thing American children are used to reading or hearing....more

My favorite thing about this was Dave McKean's art. The story is ok, similar to a Legend of Zelda trading side quest. Definitely not as complex as GaiMy favorite thing about this was Dave McKean's art. The story is ok, similar to a Legend of Zelda trading side quest. Definitely not as complex as Gaiman's ya/adult titles, but still fun. However the art is really amazing. It's a very unique style that is free of the bright happy colors I see in lots of children's books....more

A heartwarming story about a girl witnessing the moon landing. What I found interesting when I finished the book was that the author is actually whiteA heartwarming story about a girl witnessing the moon landing. What I found interesting when I finished the book was that the author is actually white and Pinkney's illustrations are what made it a story about a black family, hence the CSK illustrator award (honor?). It just goes to show that some stories transcend ethnic background. Anyway, it's not just about the moon landing, it also shows how the girl relates to her grandfather. The art is really beautiful and while it isn't an informational book per se, it could be used along with non-fiction books in a unit about space exploration....more

We all know I love fairy tales! There were several things I really liked about this version of Rapunzel. One was the art. I felt that the illustrationWe all know I love fairy tales! There were several things I really liked about this version of Rapunzel. One was the art. I felt that the illustrations were really beautiful and in the author's note, he explains that he was trying to evoke renaissance art which I think he did really well. He also gives some background on the Rapunzel story, discussing a few different versions of it, how the Grimms changed it, and why he chose to incorporate the elements he did. I feel that is a useful tool for the kids reading the book. The version was actually a bit different from the versions I had read before; it was a really enjoyable experience....more

This book won a Newbery award. I liked it, but the reason I rated it only four stars is because I don't see it having a lot of appeal; I can't see a kThis book won a Newbery award. I liked it, but the reason I rated it only four stars is because I don't see it having a lot of appeal; I can't see a kid picking it up to read it for fun. It was really informational, the monologues of young people were interspersed with historical descriptions. The illustrations were also evocative of medieval art. I was really impressed with the bibliography and number of sources at the end, as well....more

This is a cute and quirky little book. I heard a lot of people saying they didn't like it; I believe it is for the same reason that many people don'tThis is a cute and quirky little book. I heard a lot of people saying they didn't like it; I believe it is for the same reason that many people don't like Napoleon Dynamite. If you haven't lived in a small town with a strange cast of characters, you might not "get it." Not that Mariposa is anything like Hard Pan, but you get the idea. The book was both funny and endearing; I definitely wouldn't recommend it to everyone but I found it enjoyable....more

I kinda speed-read (sped read?) this book quickly before the class in which we were going to discuss it. I think the title is a bit misleading. Most oI kinda speed-read (sped read?) this book quickly before the class in which we were going to discuss it. I think the title is a bit misleading. Most of the book is just a funny, light-hearted look at a boy whose family is growing up in Michigan, however the ending gets kinda dark and the historical setting and civil rights issues come into play....more

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I remember when it came out hearing that it was good, but it wasn't really the kind of thing that I readI wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I remember when it came out hearing that it was good, but it wasn't really the kind of thing that I read at the time. So anyway I read it and I love the almost Dickensian way the plot unfolded. It's a good book funny with a slight touch of poignancy at the end but not so much as to turn off readers who aren't into sentimental stuff....more

This book tells the story of an Italian-American family. The main character is a boy who is finding out things about his family at the same time thatThis book tells the story of an Italian-American family. The main character is a boy who is finding out things about his family at the same time that he finds out things about himself. The story of his life mirrors the structure of a play he is in at school. It was a really quick read and a cute story and I did like the fact that every single loose end wasn't tied up at the end; there were some things left open for the reader to contemplate. My biggest problem with it was just that it seemed kinda overly sentimental....more

Not sure what genre to categorize this... not really realistic fiction... not sci fi or fantasy although it feels like that... would have said historiNot sure what genre to categorize this... not really realistic fiction... not sci fi or fantasy although it feels like that... would have said historical fiction but they have walkie talkies... neo-victorian? Anyway. I liked this book a lot, and I really liked that it is a kids book. For one thing, I like how the narrator explains what words mean, but I also like that kids books have an intrusive narrator. I can't wait to read the next one in the series....more

I like historical fiction, especially when it's about royalty. I had never read a book by Ann Rinaldi before, although I'd heard HORRIBLE things aboutI like historical fiction, especially when it's about royalty. I had never read a book by Ann Rinaldi before, although I'd heard HORRIBLE things about My Heart is on the Ground. This book was exciting and while I don't know enough about the period to know how historically accurate it was, she did give a bibliography at the end with suggestions for further reading. I didn't know too much about Jane Grey but I want to find out more now. The book was mainly a children's book, but there is a little bit of implied sexuality (It's royalty, how could there not be?) so probably older elementary-middle school age depending on the maturity of the child....more

This book is about a girl whose father is working at Los Alamos. The story was great although the book seemed really long for the age group it was geaThis book is about a girl whose father is working at Los Alamos. The story was great although the book seemed really long for the age group it was geared to (9-12?). One of my favorite parts was a cameo by Feynman where the author described this guy and the reveal reminded me of the ending of one of those obvious Lovecraft stories where the last line is italicized for dramatic effect. It made me really interested in atomic history though and I love when there is a bibliography for further reading....more

This was an exciting children's book that takes place in Venice. At first I thought it was historical fiction, but it actually takes place in the presThis was an exciting children's book that takes place in Venice. At first I thought it was historical fiction, but it actually takes place in the present. It was a good read, if very simple; the reason I gave it only 4 stars was because the ending was just too neat. It was like while Cornelia Funke was tying the ending in a bow she asked Charles Dickens to hold his finger down on the first knot. Anyway, I enjoyed reading it but was also taken by surprise by the fantasy element that came in about 3/4 of the way through....more

The plot of the book was basically identical to the plot of the movie, but there was so much about the writing style that just wasn't captured in theThe plot of the book was basically identical to the plot of the movie, but there was so much about the writing style that just wasn't captured in the movie. It was a heartwarming little story....more

What I really liked about this book was the way the author incorporated elements from many different traditions in addition to the blatant referencesWhat I really liked about this book was the way the author incorporated elements from many different traditions in addition to the blatant references to Chinese culture. I really liked the cliffhangers and parallel stories a la Journey to the West. The flap describes it as like the Wizard of Oz, which is true, but it references many other works as well....more